Originally Posted by
calico
Hey all,
I am looking to fly for a regional as a sunset career; I was stupid and didn't pursue this career when I was younger.
I have my CFI and I do a little instructing at my flying club when I can get business. I have about 40 hours of dual given so far. Most of my flying is cross country flying for work or trips with my wife. Will the regionals care of most of my time is purchased? The club 152 is only $70 wet so flying it isn't terribly expensive for us. Assuming I want to get another 1,000 hours in three years, I can afford to pay for the time. Mind you I am trying to instruct more, too.
Thanks!
If you are looking at that kind of hours you may consider buying an airplane that is in good shape (hopefully not going to give you any major issues, that is the gamble) I've been able to scoot around the country in a PA28-180 carrying all the gear I ever needed, and not have to worry about returning it for someone when the rental is up. It doesn't exactly make life more simple owning an airplane. There will be a small bit of paperwork, lots of new things to learn, and occasional or not so occasional small maintenance items. You will learn things that typical students/CFIs might not have the chance to learn. How to take the cowlings and fairings off, change the oil, clean the engine, all about the systems and the rhythm of the machine. That said, having the club take care of maintenance is a nice insurance policy. However, if gas stays reasonable you can certainly operate a more capable aircraft for less and absolutely fly your tits off. You could also have your own 150 and be on the cheap.
I did the math of renting a 150 around me for $72/hr and flying the lawn mower around the local area by myself vs owning an aircraft I could get more people and things into and go places in. It made financial and practical sense for me to get from 70 hrs to 250 hrs. I plan to hold onto it for a little while longer while I instruct, to build a few extra hours on day trips with friends. I regret nothing. I wouldn't trade my epic cross country experiences for anything. The risk is major maintenance showing up, but if you find a bird that has been respected that can be minimized somewhat.
Given your age and all, I'd personally jump into full time instructing to get on with it. You have a freakin' CFI man! That is hot right now. I've filled out some applications saying I'm going to have a CFI at the end of August and they are all over me. Even many part 61 schools will give you free or low cost training for coming to them right now. You could grab your MEL, CFII MEI. I haven't been in this aviation world for long but I know 3 years is a LONG time. Things might not be quite the same then. I'd say get on it. I've heard a few stories of people who waited one more month for their class, then boom things got bad. They had to wait years for another opportunity to get into the jets.